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Thursday, January 24, 2013

If you think you are protecting your child by simply knowing the 911 digits and having 24/7 access to a phone, then you are not doing enough. Helping your child in a potential health emergency requires you to take immediate action as well; so are you prepared to face a bad day without waiting for the emergency team to arrive?

If you answered no for the above question, it is time for you to learn some important first aid techniques. Our children are our most prized assets, and anything coming in the way of their health is unwelcomed.

You never know when your child would knock over a boiling teapot on themselves, cut their hand, or even have an unforeseen seizure. Be equipped with the essential information needed in such a situation; here are some pointers to remember:

Call the Health Helpline

It is not good to rely solely on the emergency medical teams, but you cannot help your child without professional consultation either. In case of an emergency, your first step should be to call a medical agency like Md Aligne Telehealth Services. If you are busy looking after your child, instruct someone else to do so. Always keep phone numbers of unswerving emergency teams handy, you might never know when the need to dial them arises.

Help Reduce Fear

Calm everyone down in the house, including the child. Panic is your worst enemy in such a situation. Relax, and think what needs to be done foremost. If you are in a state of alarm, you might give your child incorrect medical aid. For example, some burns require you to hold them under running water, whereas others need to be covered under a blanket (depending on the degree and nature of the burn); you might give the wrong treatment under panic.

Know How to Handle Most Situations

This is very important; you must know how to deal with multiple emergency situations including seizures, broken limbs, burns, head injuries, and fainting. Your child might start choking during dinner, or get hurt during playtime. Every parent must know how to handle such emergencies.

Stock your First Aid kits with all the necessary items. Antiseptic ointments, wiping medical towels, bandages, sterilized cotton, instant cold packs, disposable gloves, and aspirin are the basics every household must have. Keep a stock of medicines that are anti-diarrhea, anti-histamines, anti-allergic, anti-burn, and even strong instant pain relievers. Have a first aid manual that tells you about the correct dosages of these medicines.

Note that most First Aid items are for limiting the spread of infection; it is important not to trigger any further infections while you are helping the child. When you are treating wounds, clean them with antiseptic first.

Millions of children receive medical aid every day; you never know when it is your child’s turn. Having someone at home with sound knowledge of first aid emergencies is crucial. The actions taken during the first few minutes of an emergency are most important; ensure that these actions are in your favor!The above entry is a guest blog entry.